If I were the President of Indonesia during the Pandemic

I am very disappointed with the way the Indonesian government has handled the pandemic. Day by day, the feeling of annoyance is getting stronger inside. This pandemic not only threatens people's lives but also undermines the nation's morale. Day by day, more and more people no longer trust the government.

They also live poorer. Not because they failed in business competition, but because of government policy mistakes that made them live in fear and poverty. Indonesia's economic growth projection was lowered to 3.8% from the previous 4%. This happened, due to economic uncertainty, due to the drastic change in government policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's not just a number. Amid the increasing population, which has now exceeded 270 million and continues to grow, the low economic growth means, the people's income is getting lower, and poverty is also expanding. News of the death is published every day on various national and social media. People live in terror every day.

If this is allowed to continue, the possibility of treason and rebellion could be high. Several voices have emerged to carry out a revolution in Indonesia. This country could fall into a bloody civil war. The price is too high.

For a moment, I contemplated. What will I do, if I am allowed to become President of the Republic of Indonesia during this pandemic?

Two Ways of Thinking

Before entering the technical step, two ways of thinking would need to be considered. First, as President, I am a servant of the people. My job is to fully serve the interests of the people. I must not live in luxury, while my master is impoverished in poverty and fear.

Two, I am the leader of the country, and the state must protect its people. I will not issue policies by terrorizing the people, nor making them trapped in poverty, fear, and uncertainty.

These two ways of thinking are rooted in modern political philosophy as well as the values ​​of Pancasila. The state must ensure social justice using a civilized and democratic humane. Freedom of religion and the unity of the Republic of Indonesia can only be safeguarded, if social justice, democracy, and civilized humanity are also safeguarded. All the precepts in Pancasila are a unity that must be considered in its entirety.

Creating a Sense of Security

There are four strategies that I will run. First, I will organize news related to the pandemic. There is no need for the death toll to be exhibited every day. This is inhumane and pointless. There is no need for the number of people who are infected every day to be spread all the time. The majority of people are asymptomatic and will recover.

Data from July 10, 2021, confirms, out of 2.5 million COVID-19 sufferers, 2 million will recover. The death rate also touched 64 thousand people (0.024%), of Indonesia's 270 million population. (Our World in Data, 2021). At the global level, COVID-19-related victims have touched 4 million people out of 7 billion people in the world. This is about 0.058%.

I don't want to minimize the suffering of the victims of COVID. However, we must pay attention to the bigger picture, if we are to take the right policies. Media that continue to spread fear and panic will be reprimanded or shut down. In a democratic society, the presence of demagogues (creators of fear and division) cannot be tolerated.

The state must protect and provide a sense of security to its people. This is not a false sense of security but is followed by effective and efficient concrete actions to solve the problem.

Opening Borders, Guaranteeing Economy

Second, I will guarantee that national borders remain open. I will not impoverish the people by cutting off transportation routes, as the current government is doing.

Medical tests are certainly necessary. There is no tax for test kits I will make subsidies for test kits, so that citizens from all over Indonesia can take the test, without worrying about the cost. The right to move and move is part of human rights as a citizen. This is important, not only for economic affairs but also for morals and the happiness of citizens as a whole.

Two important questions arise. What if COVID spreads, and creates more deaths? and also where the money to provide subsidies to the people? I will answer that in step three.

Stream Funds to Corrupts to Develop Health Systems.

Third, I will confiscate the assets of corruptors, and channel all available funds to build an adequate health system. This means more health workers and adequate health facilities. In the long term, I will propose the death penalty for corruptors and the confiscation of their assets for state purposes. This of course must work with the DPR.

So far, the main problem in handling COVID is the lack of health personnel and adequate health facilities. This is completely the government's fault! Do not impoverish and oppress the people, because of the mistakes made by the government! Distribute as many funds as possible from various directions to build a qualified health system.

Debt to other countries or international institutions can be a last resort. This was done after all non-essential flows of funds were redirected to the development of an adequate national health system. We create shared cash to build health facilities and health workers who are prosperous and world-class.

In the long term, the education of health workers, both public and private, will receive subsidies from the state. Everyone, without discrimination, can be involved in the service of the health system if they have the calling and ability to do so.

Living With COVID 19

Fourth, we must all accept the fact that this COVID-19 virus, with all its mutations, will live with us. We will never be able to eliminate this virus from the face of the earth. All efforts to eliminate COVID 19 will only bring new victims. Any rhetoric offered to eradicate the virus will only create new bigger problems.

After all, the COVID-19 virus is part of the universe's life. We have to give it space and manage its spread as best we can. Treatment will be based on symptoms. In the long term, there is no need for tests to move places in Indonesia, both for local and foreign residents.

With more and more Indonesians being vaccinated, and the high quality of the health system, COVID 19 can be treated the same as any other disease. It is not to be feared but managed wisely from day today.

These are the four steps I would take if I were the President of Indonesia during the pandemic. Hopefully, it can be an inspiration.